Thomas Sotiropoulos, DDS
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment
Metro Dental Sleep Medicine LLC| 5400 Walsh St. | Saint Louis, Missouri 63109 | 314-849-5555
Creativity Consulting and Coaching 2016 - all rights reserved may not be reproduced in part or in entirety without written permission
In our office we believe a well informed patient has a greater chance of finding the best solution for their snoring or obstructive sleep apnea. Toward that end, we offer the following information and links to assist you in making decisions about your treatment.
Oral Appliance Therapy - An Overview
Oral appliances are designed to fit over your teeth in the same way an orthodontic retainer does. Generally made of acrylic, they come in a variety of shapes and styles and use a number of methods to advance the lower jaw very slightly forward. This repositioning of the lower jaw in turn moves the tongue forward and keeps the airway expanded sufficiently to improve breathing and reduce snoring.
It is important that these devices be customized to each individual by a trained professional, to insure that jaw stability is maintained and that optimum results are achieved. When properly fitted, oral appliances are comfortable and easily adapted to by patients. They are easy to use, easy to keep clean and pack easily for travel in a container about the size of the palm of your hand.
When should an oral appliance be used?
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that an oral appliance is a first treatment option for patients with primary snoring, mild obstructive sleep apnea, or moderate OSA when the appliance is preferred over CPAP. For patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP, oral appliance therapy is recommended as a second treatment option.
In addition, oral appliance therapy is indicated for patients who have undergone surgical options with unsuccessful results or when CPAP alone is not sufficient.
